Animals are a problem in many cities!
BY ISSA YUSUF, 15 MAY 2013
Zanzibar — A GROUP of youths earning their living by providing transport services in Zanzibar municipality using carts pulled by donkeys and oxen are protesting the ongoing crackdown on domestic animals in the municipality.
The municipal authorities, in collaboration with the office of Urban West regional commissioner, recently declared war against domestic animals, including stray ones.
Patrolling municipal askaris have so far confiscated a number of animals, now being held in Tunguu area, about 30 km from the town centre where owners of the animals have to pay a fine of up to 300,000/- to repossess their animals.
Mr Mwinyiussi Abdallah Hassan, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Regional Administration, confirmed that already they were holding many animals, adding that the operation would continue to ensure that domestic animals were not kept in the municipality.
However, youths conducting the carting business are protesting the government move. "We have vowed to abide by the law. We ask the government to be sympathetic with us because we rely on donkeys and oxen for our daily income," said Mr Ali Omar, a cart operator.
Residents and leaders in Zanzibar, including President Ali Mohammed Shein, have been complaining about numerous animals loitering in the municipality, also blamed for causing motor accidents. Dr Shein's recent remarks on the animals prompted the municipal authorities to start acting by declaring war on the animals and prohibited livestock keeping in the municipality.
Donkeys and oxen are widely used in transporting goods in the municipality because the mode is cheaper than hiring a taxi or pick-up. However, animals rights activists blame the youths for mistreating the animals by whipping and overloading them.
Source: allAfrica
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